Written for the Write Tribe Festival of Words #3 Day 4 - Book Review
Many years ago when I got married, my best friend had already moved to the US. Unfortunately she couldn't make it to my wedding but she sent me a wedding card and in it she wrote these lines:
Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together yet not too near together:
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.
These are words from Kahlil Gibran's book, The Prophet, my favourite book of all time. It's one of my most treasured gifts that I got from my workmates in India when I left for New Zealand.
The book opens with the Prophet Almustafa leaving the city of Orphalese. He's about to board his ship when he is stopped by a group of people who ask him to enlighten them on life.
The book is divided into chapters dealing with different stages of life and circumstances, human values and conditions and each chapter is written in poetic form. As I love poetry, this style of this book appeals to me greatly.
This is a book that truly grows on you. Each time I read it, I understand the words a little bit better. One can read this as a story or take a spiritual meaning from it.
Drop by my facebook page Suzy's Ilation and if any of your posts needs some tlc, leave a link there and I'll drop by and give it some love.
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Warm Regards
Many years ago when I got married, my best friend had already moved to the US. Unfortunately she couldn't make it to my wedding but she sent me a wedding card and in it she wrote these lines:
Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together yet not too near together:
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.
These are words from Kahlil Gibran's book, The Prophet, my favourite book of all time. It's one of my most treasured gifts that I got from my workmates in India when I left for New Zealand.
The book opens with the Prophet Almustafa leaving the city of Orphalese. He's about to board his ship when he is stopped by a group of people who ask him to enlighten them on life.
The book is divided into chapters dealing with different stages of life and circumstances, human values and conditions and each chapter is written in poetic form. As I love poetry, this style of this book appeals to me greatly.
This is a book that truly grows on you. Each time I read it, I understand the words a little bit better. One can read this as a story or take a spiritual meaning from it.
But one has to read it to experience it for oneself.
Drop by my facebook page Suzy's Ilation and if any of your posts needs some tlc, leave a link there and I'll drop by and give it some love.
Tweet
Warm Regards
Those words written by your friend on the card are so profound. You mentioned that "Each time I read it, I understand the words a little bit better", I feel the same when I read The Secret by Rhonda Byrne! Poems are really not my cup of tea so I'll let this pass! :)
ReplyDeleteShilpa, read Ask and It is Given by Esther Hicks. The Secret I believe is an adaptation of that book. Actually the Prophet is prose written in a poetic style.
DeleteKahlil Gibran is one of my favourite! And the lines your friend has shared are so profound, I am yearning to read this book now.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great book Bhavya. time for me to read it again too.
DeleteCa I suggest you add a pic of its book cover pls?
ReplyDeleteHi Mina, never judge a book by it's cover :)
DeleteWell you have chosen a most delightful author, his quotes and poetry keep the love of writing flowing in my veins I believe..
ReplyDeleteRicha
Thanks Richa. glad you think so.
DeleteSome books are meant to stay with you forever. I guess this is the one for you!
ReplyDeleteSure is Nibhz. Thanks for visiting.
DeleteThis is one of my all-time favourites too, Suzy! I especially love his verse on children. So very exquisite!
ReplyDeleteThanks Shailaja. It's a great book - hard to decide which verse I like best, but the one on children is very profound.
DeleteLoved that quote. In fact I've heard The Prophet quoted many times over just never thought of reading the book. Must pick it up. Thanks Suzy.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tulika. It's a great book and definitely worth a read.
DeleteExactly...such things have a tendency to seem new everytime....the more we go through them the more we understand them ....lovely
ReplyDeleteThanks Shellymona. As I grow older I view things differently and there are so many aha moments with this book.
DeleteWow.. it seems like quite an awesome book!
ReplyDeletehow lovely!
It is Pixie. Thanks.
DeleteKibran is one of my favourites, Suzy! I have a complete set of his book and often reread them!
ReplyDeleteGlad you like his books to Corinne. They are amazing.
DeleteIve got a huge Kibran book which I hardly read. I got it way back in 2010 and just imagine..time to get it out of the shelf. Thanks for the inspiration, Suzy:)
ReplyDeleteGlad my post inspired you to read the book. So much of life described in it. Enjoy.
DeleteDid I actually type Kibran - oops........you know I meant Gibran, Suzy! :P
ReplyDeleteNo worries. I thought you and Vishal were being very clever (in a good way) combining Khalil and Gibran together!
DeleteHaven't read The Prophet but those words you've quoted are beautiful...
ReplyDeleteThanks Psych Babbler. If you get a chance do read it. It's a great book.
DeleteI made the same mistake Gibran-apology to the God of poem:)
ReplyDeleteNo worries. Kibran works together well.
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